Spring Break Hacks

by In Advice Tagged beach hacks, beach trips, , college spring break, , , , , spring break, spring break hacks, vacation hacks, vacation tips, vacation tricks

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That’s right it’s that time of year again, SPRING BREAK! Life can’t get any better, it’s a week of no school, no responsibilities, and just plain having fun. I decided to take a much needed trip to the beach this past week for my own spring break and I thought what better post than spring break hacks, things I use every year to make my spring break fun, easy, and trouble free.

  1. Plastic baggies will be your best friend. Pop your phone in one and keep the sand and salt off while still being able to use it. Toss things like money and cards so you don’t have to carry a bulky wallet. You can also pack a handful of your favorite snack.
  2. Pull out all of those travel sized samples you tossed under your sink or in a drawer and put them to good use!
  3. Bring baby powder to get all of that pesky left over sand off your feet so you’re not tracking it everywhere.
  4. Use a fitted sheet with weights in each corner to create a sand free sitting area for you and your friends.
  5. Make a budget beforehand, this way you’ll know exactly how much you can spend so you won’t be broke by the end of your vacation.
  6. Get inspiration from Pinterest, Tumblr, etc. This is a great way to think of new and exciting things to do while on vacation or even if you’re staying at home!
  7. If you aren’t heading anywhere for spring break, try out a few DIYs that you’ve been dying to work on!
  8. Before heading to the beach or lake where you’ll be in the sun all day try filling up an ice tray with aloe in case anyone returns burnt they will have a nice cool way of getting ride of their sunburn.

Well that’s it, now you’re equipped with 8 new spring break hacks to help you have the most relaxing, stress free, and fun spring break you’ve ever had. So put them to the test and let me know what you think in the comments! Have more hacks you want to share with everyone? Leave them down below to help a fellow spring breaker out!

Are you subscribed to me on Youtube? NO?! Well head on over to see new videos every week!

Have more questions? Feel free to email me at [email protected]

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Instagram: simplesouthernbelle Twitter: @SimpleSBelle Youtube: Simple Southern Belle Facebook: Simple Southern Belle

 

How To Wear Bean Boots

by In Fashion Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Ah yes, bean boots. This seasons hottest shoe and everyone is itching to get their hands on them. I myself was lucky enough to snag a pair from a close friend who bought them a size too big. Since having them I find myself pairing them with every outfit I put on in the morning. Their comfort, look, and fit are to die for, making them my new go-to shoe.

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After purchasing their first pair of bean boots many people are left confused on how to style, tie, wear, etc. their new shoes. Well I’ve decided to save you some time and break it down for you.

Tips When Buying Bean Boots

  1. Buy them at least a size down, they run incredibly big. I wear a size 10 shoe normally and fit comfortably in an 8 in bean boots.
  2. Order them in the Spring or Summer, during the winter they are usually on back order till Spring.
  3. You’ll want to pick up a few pairs of tall socks to wear with your new bean boots too! These help you jeans or pants stay tucked in.

How To Wear Them

  1. Tall socks are your best friends when it comes to these puppies, without out them your jeans or pants will be coming untucked all day long and trust me it’s obnoxious.
  2. For girls I suggest always tucking your leggings or pants in, for men untucked or sloppy tends to still look nice for them.

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Laces

  1. As you can see in the pictures this is usually how I have mine laced up, I like to tie them in a bow at the top loosely just so the strings aren’t everywhere.
  2. Loose ties are great for a relaxed effortless look, simply loosen all the strings and your feet will still be secure.
  3. There are several tutorials on YouTube on how to tie/knot your bean boots in different or cool ways so if you’re interested in different looks I suggest searching there first.

Outfits To Wear With Them

  1. Blouse/flowy tops, skinny jeans tucked in, Jcrew thermal socks, bean boots. Add a cute scarf and a few accessories to finish off the look.
  2. Big t-shirt, leggings, thermal socks, bean boots for a more casual look.
  3. Bundle up in a sweater, coat, jeans, thermal socks, and boots for a cozy winter look.

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So you’ve wanted to bean boots for a while but just didn’t know if they’d work for you? Well now you know it all from sizing, styling, and tying. So why not head on over to LLBean and pick up your first pair. From dressing up to dressing down this new shoe is the perfect trend for winter and even transitioning into Spring. So grab your pair and lace up!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Holiday Bucketlist

by In Uncategorized Tagged christmas, christmas bucket list, Christmas list, Christmas Wishlist, holiday, holiday bucket list, Holidays, , , ,

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Holy cow, the holidays are upon us. And before you know it’ll be 2016! YIKES! Well with most of us going on holiday break soon from school I thought what’s better than a holiday bucket list to get you in the holiday spirit or simply to keep you busy!

  1. Drink hot cocoa
  2. Make/decoarte a gingerbread house
  3. Make DIY ornaments
  4. Go to a light show
  5. Visit Santa/take a picture with him
  6. Bake some cookies
  7. Decorate the tree
  8. Write a letter to Santa
  9. Go on a sleigh ride
  10. Go ice skating
  11. Drink hot cider
  12. Have a bonfire
  13. Make reindeer food
  14. Volunteer somewhere
  15. Make peppermint bark
  16. Give a few gifts
  17. Fill up the stockings
  18. Watch a Christmas play
  19. Go caroling
  20. Kiss someone under the mistletoe
  21. Watch Elf
  22. Send out Christmas cards
  23. Read a Christmas story
  24. Go to a Holiday parade

Let’s play a game and see how many of these we can get done this holiday season! I know these will keep me busy in the weeks to come. So grab your friends and family and let’s get in the holiday mood!

Comment below some of your favorite holiday traditions!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s In My Everyday Makeup Bag

by In Advice Tagged , college makeup, everyday, everyday makeup, everyday makeup bag, , makeup blogger, , , , preppy makeup, whats in my everyday makeup bag

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Ah makeup, one of my true loves. There is just something so relaxing about sitting down on my floor in front of my big mirror, pulling out my favorite makeup bag filled to the brim with an array of cosmetics from numerous brands. I enjoy sitting down and taking my time to carefully choose which products and colors I’d like to use for the day. Let’s take a peek inside my everyday makeup bag and what some of my favorite makeup products are.

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First let’s begin with the ever so lovely bag that houses all of my lovely cosmetics and beauty tools. This beautiful cosmetic case is from KyiStitches and is the perfect size for housing all of the products I could ever want to use. I’m a sucker for seersucker and monograms so it’s no surprise I love using this bag to keep everything contained in one place.

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Let’s talk foundation. Now I’m not someone who likes a lot of coverage and heavy foundation which is why I typically reach for the perfect products. From left to right we have Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation by Benefit, Benefit Erase Paste, and Smashbox Photo Ready BB Cream. I typically use the Hello Flawless foundation from day to day to get the perfect amount of coverage while still having that light weight feeling. For any blemishes and hard to cover spots I use Erase Paste. Lastly I usually grab for my Smashbox BB Cream during the warmer months or when I just need a bit more moisture in my coverage.

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Now let’s talk face. As you can see my products in this area have been deeply loved. Once I find the perfect face product I’m hooked and it’s hard to break that obsession. So let’s give y’all a run down of my favorites. From left to right we have the Anastasia Contour palette, MAC blush in Sunbasque, and Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. My typical makeup routine consists of using the middle contour color on the bottom row to contour my cheeks, jawline, and forehead. When I’m heading out for the night I like to focus on a little heavier contouring and adding highlighting as well. My adored MAC blush in Sunbasque gives the perfect rosy color to my cheeks and I use it every day. Lastly to keep my face matte all day I use my Rimmel powder all over my face.

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Now for the eyes. Color choices range from day to day, however there are few I use rigorously each day to complete my look. Starting from left to right we have the first Urban Decay Naked Palette, NYX liquid eyeliner, Maybelline pencil liner, Benefit They’re real Mascara, and ELF Eyebrow Kit. My go to eyeshadows are always in my Naked palette, with so many color options it’s easy to create any look. My color choices change from day to day, but I typically like to smudge the color Buck under my lower lashes. Speak of liner, I typically use my Maybelline pencil liner for my water line. If I’m going out that night I like to use my NYX liquid liner for a darker look. My favorite mascara is Benefit’s They’re Real because it gives my lashes perfect length and volume. Lastly when I want my look to be all pulled together I reach for my ELF eyebrow kit. It has a great gel color and and powder to get the perfect brows.

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My latest obsession, lips. Though I really only reach for these two staple lip items, I’ve been itching to try a few darker lip colors for this winter. Now for the perfect duo I have here, Too Faced La Creme in Nude Beach and Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipliner in Liberated. Combining these two colors gives the perfect everyday nude lip color. I can’t get enough of it.

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Lastly the tools. Just as important as the actual makeup. Though I’m not usually one to spend a lot of money on my tools, I still have my favorites. Starting on the left I have my Real Techniques brush that is perfect for contouring my face. We then have a nice buffer brush from It Cosmetics that is perfect for powdering my face and setting my foundation. Next is my ELF blush brush, it’s perfect for getting the right amount of color on my cheeks. The next two brushes are the only ones I use when it comes to eyes. A flat shader, crease, and smudge brush are perfect for my everyday looks. Last but not least is my eye lash curler, curling your lashes gives such a polished and awake look to anyone which is why I always use it.

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Makeup, for me it’s a relaxing way to start my day, taking my time to careful choose the colors and textures for my look. I encourage all of you to take a little extra time out of your day to really focus on what you’re doing with your every day makeup. You don’t have to be a makeup artist to be into makeup. Trust me when I say a nice face of makeup can really have an effect on how your day goes. You’ll be more confident and excited to show off your new expertise.

What are some of your makeup must haves?

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Fall Fashion Favorites

by In Fashion Tagged , college outfits, fall, fall clothes, fall fashion, fall fashion favorites, fall fashion ideas, fall fashion outfits, fall outfits, fashion favorites, fashion outfits, , , preppy fashion, ,

 

 

 

 

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Vest | Hat | Scarf | Black Knee High Boots | Poncho | Booties | Cross Body Bag

Ah fall, it’s here. The leaves are changing, falling, and the temperature is quickly dropping. It’s time to drag out the coats, sweaters, and cardigans and dust off our boots. There is nothing I’ve been loving more than a few good layering pieces this fall which is why I chose the lovely army green vest and the beige poncho. Both pieces are great for layering for added warmth without dying from heat. Accessories in the fall are some of my all time favorites, it must be something about the dark hues and rich textures. These two beautiful pairs of shoes are my go to style for fall and winter, the boots keep you warm all while still being stylish. Lastly adding an adorable bag and hat to an outfit complete the look. These brimmed hats are my all time new favorite accessory, they look so chic and pull together any outfit. And let’s not forget the trusty cross body bag that despite it’s small size can hold everything I need for the day.

What fall trends are you falling for this year?

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Time Management Tips for College Students

by In Advice Tagged , , college girl, , , , doing well in college, doing well in school, , , school advice, school tips, , , , , , , time management, time management tips

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Classes, organizations, work, friends, sleep, and working out?! How does one balance all of these things, it seems almost impossible to get everything done in a day with so much going on. Take it from me when I say time management is essential to any college student. It will help you manage your time efficiently by getting the most done in one day.

Here are my tips I use to keep myself organized and hopefully will help you as well.

 

  1. Actually use your planner. Anyone can have a planner and write down dates and times for events but unless you’re looking back at it and editing things and referring to it, then it won’t be of any use. I live for my planner and without it lord knows how many things I’d miss.
  2. Use an efficiency calendar. Something new I’ve been using to keep myself on track and getting the most out of my days is my efficiency calendar. I do this weekly and sit down and plan out my week hour by hour. Of course some things change, but for the most part it remains. This is a great way to see when you have extra hours in your day where you could fit in extra studying, working out, catching up with a friend, etc. Here is a peek at my week.

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As you can see I schedule every hour of my day to include something important. There are days where I don’t have as much to do, which is fine because I do like to have some free time to do things that make me happy like Netflix, pampering nights, etc.

I also schedule in everything from blogging, classes, studying, meals, sorority events, etc.

3. Color Code. Even if you don’t use an efficiency calendar I suggest color coding your planner so that you know what events are for what class, organization, etc.

4. Sync your calendars on all mobile devices. It’s great to have you calendar updated on your computer and your phone so that at a glance you can see and remind yourself of any events that are coming up that may be very important to you.

 

Time management doesn’t have to be some huge task to get yourself organized, but choosing one or two of these tips and implementing them into your life could help organize yourself and your time. Then you’ll be on your way to being a more productive and time efficient person.

Make sure to check out my YouTube for frequent videos!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

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Backpack Essentials

by In Uncategorized Tagged backpack, backpack essentials, , college backpack essentials, college classes, , , , , essentials, , , simple southern belle, , , , ,

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College can be a tad confusing when you’re a freshman. You don’t know what all you will need for a class and how long you’ll be away from your dorm, should you bring money, snacks, clothes, headphones? The list is never ending and after a while your backpack ends up stuffed to the brim and your shoulders are left sore and aching from carrying the weight of everything in your bag. With that being said I thought I’d share my backpack essentials so you know exactly what to pack in your bag without overloading it and hurting your self!

1. Sturdy backpack/bag
     The first and most important backpack essential is a sturdy backpack. Mine is a North Face Recon and I’ve had it for 3 years and it’s still going strong. It’s comfy, has lots of pockets, and it’s black so it never goes out of style.
2. Laptop

     I always recommend taking a laptop to your classes, it’s easy to take notes in, study with between classes, or watch Netflix when you have a break! Mine is a Macbook Pro 13 in.
3. Notebooks
     My personal favorite for taking notes in class or rewriting typed notes is 5 star notebooks. They are great quality and perfect for class time. I even use Moleskin notebooks for daily task reminders, writing random ideas or jotting down thoughts or doodling.
4. Folders
     I suggest having one folder for each of your classes to keep your syllabus, loose papers, scantrons, etc. so that you can grab it and run out the door and head to class.
5. Pencil Pouch
     A pencil pouch is extremely important when trying to keep all your supplies organized. Mine is from Vera Bradley, but several stores have them. This makes finding a pencil or pen easy and quick in class!
6. Pencils/pens
     Steadtler, these are my favorite pens. They are colorful, thin, and write so smoothly. I use them in every class to help things stand out in my notes and for color coding my planner.
7. Chargers
     What’s worse than being at school and your phone dies? Not much, to keep this from happening keep an extra phone charger in your backpack and don’t forget your computer charger too!
8. Headphones
     Headphones are perfect for listening to music while heading to class, watching Netflix (in between  class not during of course) and even listening to assignments and videos for your classes.
9. Wallet and keys
     These two are pretty obvious, you’ll need your keys to drive to class or get into your room after class, you may need your student ID to get lunch in between classes and your wallet for other personal reasons.
10. Snacks/gum/water
     I am one of those people who always has snacks in class. I find it hard to focus when you’re hungry in class, so having a few snack options is always a smart idea. Also don’t forget to stay hydrated in class and drink up your water!
I hope that by me sharing my backpack essentials you’ll be able to prepare your self and feel ready for your next day of classes. I always suggest packing your backpack the night before classes so you’re not rushing in the morning to find what you need and so you don’t forget anything important.
What’s one thing you always have in your backpack? Let me know in the comments!
P.S Have you checked out my YouTube channel yet? I’ve been posting weekly and have several new videos coming soon!
Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

College Necessities

by In Uncategorized Tagged accessories, , , college blog, college go to, , college must haves, college necessities, , , monogrammed, monogrammed cut out, monogrammed pillow, perfect bed, , , ,

As most of you know I’m heading into my third year of college and if there is one thing I’ve learned over my 2 full years of college it’s what things truly are necessities. So I’ve decided to share with y’all my must have things for a college kid. Ranging from accessories, clothes, and even room decor!

 

 

  1. IMG_9483_2A comfy and stylish bed. There is nothing I love more than coming home from a long day of classes and jumping up onto my comfy bed and taking a nap. As you can see I love having an array of pillows to decorate. My bedding is first from Target and it is part of the Shabby Chic collection. The first pillow on the left is from Daisy Do Designs and it’s monogrammed, doesn’t get much better than that does it?! It’s cute to add a pop of color to your bed and it’s so chic. Next I had an Ikea pillow with a leaf design which is so soft! As you can see above my bed I have this adorable monogrammed wooden cut out. You can find one just like it at SarasCuts. It’s an awesome accent piece to add to your wall and it’s just plain adorable.

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2. Tumbler. I need to have a tumbler with me at all times. I love me some water and I have to drink it constantly. So having a cute cup to carry it around in is essential. And if you’re a coffee drinker it’s even better because it will keep your drink warm during class! You can find the one I have at Properly Southern  it’s the cutest thing ever!

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3. Notepads galore. I use notepads and sticky notes every day. From writing to do list to jotting down a few quick lots. It’s easy to have a few on hand to write anything at quick notice.

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4. Comfy Shorts. If you’ve been going to college for a while you’ll understand when I say everyone wears shorts and a t-shirt to class. Not many people dress up. So I found these adorable monogrammed running shorts from Properly Southern. They are my school’s colors too so they are perfect for game days or just wearing around campus.

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5. Cork boards. Having these little cork boards has been a great way to post things above my desk where I can see them to when I’m doing homework or working on a test. I have a few upcoming class dates and assignments and even a few sorority tasks I had to get done. Mine are from Target!

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6. Something fun! I love theses new Marble stickers for computers, there is something so sleek and exciting about them. You can find some from Marble Decals which is where mine is from. I get so many compliments on this all the time because of how original it is! Adding something exciting like this to your laptop could be a great incentive to study or go to the library to show it off!

 

 

Although these things may seem slightly random, all of them are my personal college necessities that I think are important to surviving college. College can be tough if you don’t equip yourself with the right tools and tricks to get by which is why I had to share my necessities with you all!

What are some of your must have things for college? Let me know in the comments!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Babydolls and Summer Whites

by In Uncategorized Tagged , college clothes, college outfit, fall, fall outfit, , , fashion blog, fashion blogger, girly fashion, girly outfits, gold necklace, jack rogers, lilly, lilly outfit, , lucky brand, lucky jeans, , , , summer 1 Comment

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Top (on sale) | Jeans | Necklace | Shoes

Summer is coming to an end so I couldn’t help but wear this shirt just a few more times! What I love most about this shirt is how comfortable and flowy it is! It’s easy to toss on with a pair of jeans and head out the door, while still looking great! I’ll also bet that you’ll catch me wearing this on game days too because it’s perfect for dressing up for tailgates!

I decided to pair it with a simple but stylish gold necklace from Rose Water Designs, every time I wear it I get constant compliments. It’s such a unique piece no one else has!

Lastly I added a pair of denim jeans from Lucky Brand along with my favorite sandals from Lucky Leaf on Etsy, they are hand painted Lilly Pulitzer inspired sandals! HOW CUTE! Even my mom is obsessed with these and can’t get enough of them!

For 20% of this top at checkout add coupon code “SimpleSouthernBelle” !

What was your favorite piece from the outfit, let me know in the comments!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle

Preppy School Supplies

by In Uncategorized Tagged kate spade, , , monogrammed, , , , , preppy school supplies, , , ,

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School is right around the corner, hard to believe right? And with school so close it’s time to start thinking about next year’s school supplies. If you’re like me and can’t stand those plain colored notebooks and pens from Target that just aren’t cutting it anymore then this post is for you. I’ve found the cutest of cute school supplies and the best places to find them so that we together can be cute and stylish this school year.

1. Pink Custom Pencils. What’s not to love about these pencils? They’re chic and stylish and only $8.00! The custom saying in gold makes them all the more cute, everyone will be jealous of these when school rolls back around.

2. Kate Spade Polka Dot Planner. For only $36.00 this adorable planner could be yours. I’ve had this style planner for the past year and get compliments on it all the time. It’s great for those of you who aren’t into the super bright Lilly Pulitzer patterns. Target does have some cute alternatives similar to these if you don’t want to cash out the money for a planner.

3. Kate Spade Bow Paper Clips. These $12.00 bow paper clips are to die for from Kate Spade. They are chic and perfect for organizing your self this year or even marking off pages in your new matching planner.

4. Monogrammed Tumbler. I found this little thing on Etsy for just $44.95, it’s perfect for your hot cup of coffee early in the morning or even your water to keep you hydrated in style through out the day. Etsy has several options for different style monogrammed tumblers if you’re interested.

5. Vera Bradley Pencil Pouch. I’ve had this adorable pencil case for over a year now and it holds all of my pencils and pens perfectly inside. For only $18.00 this pencil case is sturdy and will literally last you for years to come.

6. Kate Spade Gold Striped Folders. These gold striped folders from Kate Spade for only $16.00 will be sure to keep your papers and important documents organized in that tiny dorm room of yours or even in your bedroom. And who doesn’t love a gold pattern?

7. Lilly Pulitzer Planner. They’re the planners we all know and love and how can you not love the adorable patterns and options available. For only $28.00 this cute and bright planner could be yours this year for keeping you organized and on top of things.

After years of searching for cute and preppy school supplies I have found that the best places to find things are Kate Spade, Etsy, and Lilly Pulitzer, so if you’re in the market for new and preppy school supplies I suggest checking out those websites to find the cutest new school supplies for you.

Do you use any of these school supplies items? If so leave me a comment telling me how you like them!

Lauren | Simple Southern Belle